KUCHING, Feb 27: PAS welcomes the Federal Court decision here today that the Syariah Court has jurisdiction to hear apostasy cases.
In a statement, PAS central committee member Dr Riduan Mohd Nor said the decision would come as a relief for Muslims overall, alleging that in the current context, Islam is being challenged and fighting strongly against those who want to ‘pollute and insult’ the religion.
“The matter of apostasy is not something that can be taken lightly. Four of the applicants have committed a serious crime in Islam and the punishment for apostasy is heavy and severe.
“As a Muslim nation as enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution Article 3 (1) of the Federal Constitution, the right of the Islamic religion must be upheld and crowned. Any party who attempts to demean or insult the Islamic religion shall be punished with the corresponding punishments.
“Apostasy matters must be settled in accordance with the Syariah law and only the Syariah Court must judge them. Otherwise, interpretation of Islamic law can be translated and interpreted according to the wishes and tastes of anyone. Imagine if the panel of judges easily allowed applicants to convert religion, it is feared that Borneo states like Sabah and Sarawak will be more fragile with the efforts of many more people who want to become apostates. What is troubling, Muslims will easily leave Islam like changing clothes.”
He also critized Ba Kelalan assemblyman and state PKR chairman Baru Bian for representing the four appellants, questioning how the latter could ‘cooperate with those who insult Islam for his own self-interest’.
“Obviously he is also directly involved in lowering the position of Islam. He does not deserve to be a leader because he has tarnished and insulted Muslims in the state of Sarawak. I am amazed at why there is no top leaders of Pakatan Harapan reprimanding him when Sarawak PKR leaders have no sensitivity by representing the four appellants involved.
“His involvement in this case is a sign that PH (Pakatan Harapan) is not a party bringing hope, but bringing destruction to the religion of Islam and the country. This case is a source of wisdom for the people to open their minds as to who are defending Islam and who want to destroy Islam in this country.” — DayakDaily
